The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed Wednesday it will file an urgent appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following a bombshell ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip the Teranga Lions of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title. The decision, announced late Tuesday by the CAF Appeals Board, effectively overturns Senegal’s 1–0 victory over Morocco in the January final, citing a regulatory breach during a mid-match protest.
The controversy centers on a 15-minute walk-off by Senegalese players during the final in Rabat. The Appeals Board ruled that by leaving the pitch to protest a refereeing decision, Senegal violated Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations regarding match forfeiture. Consequently, the original result was annulled and replaced with a 3–0 administrative victory for Morocco, crowning the Atlas Lions as continental champions for the first time since 1976.
In a scathing official statement released Wednesday, the FSF described the administrative reversal as a "grave injustice" that undermines the sporting merit achieved on the field of play. The federation argues that because the match eventually resumed and reached a natural conclusion, the disciplinary measures should have been limited to fines rather than the forfeiture of the championship trophy.
"We cannot accept a decision that ignores the reality of the 120 minutes played on the pitch," said Augustin Senghor, President of the Senegalese Football Federation, during a press briefing in Dakar. "This is an unprecedented overreach by the Appeals Board that threatens the integrity of African football. We are heading to Lausanne to ensure that the title earned by our players through sweat and effort is restored."
Conversely, Moroccan football officials have remained largely reserved, acknowledging the CAF ruling while preparing for the technical handover of the trophy. A spokesperson for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation stated that they "take note of the judicial body’s findings regarding the application of standing tournament regulations."
The legal battle now moves to the CAS in Switzerland, where Senegalese attorneys are expected to request a stay of execution on the ruling.